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Award Winners Thrive On Best Business Practices

LCT threw a sumptuous gala March 1 for the annual Operator of the Year Awards, themed on the Roaring 20s, during the International LCT Show in Las Vegas (LCT photo)

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The annual LCT Operator of the Year Awards underscore anew each year how winning operators rely on specific strategies and practices to run excellent companies.

In the spirit of inspiring other operators, we highlight the winners along with a small sample of best practices from each winning company culled from their awards applications.

Finalists in each category were scored in six areas of operations by six individual judges for a maximum of 60 points. Highest scorers won.

As usual, winners included a mix of first-time applicants and persistent, repeat finalists. Winners received their awards from LCT Publisher Sara Eastwood-Richardson and Bobit Business Media CEO Ty Bobit.

Winners Bedford Wynne Jr. and his mother and company founder, Joan Wynne.

Since 2008, the company has flipped from 70% sedans and black vehicles versus 30% buses, to 70% motocoaches and buses versus 30% sedans and black vehicles now.

Emphasizes preventative maintenance. The Wynne headquarters and facility has a maintenance garage and raised repair platform that can handle motorcoaches.

Wynne bought its second entertainment coach on Dec. 11, 2015, a 2009 Prevost Le Mirage XL II. It has launched a segment devoted to road shows and tours for sports teams, bands, performers and entertainment industry clients. The sleeper coach has nine bunk beds, along with living room-style seating, a kitchen, dining area and bathroom.

All chauffeurs have undergone an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check as part of the licensing requirements from the Hackney Carriage Licence Authority in the United Kingdom. Criminal records are checked across all police forces in the U.K. In addition, certain serious crime details are shared by Interpol covering European Union Countries.

Topographical test: Chauffeurs must identify hotels, airports, key destinations on a map rather than relying on a satellite navigation system. They are also asked to list the routes they would take to get to regular destinations and routes they would take if some of the main roads were busy. Chauffeurs must demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the main airports, motorways, cities and how to get there.

Staff members randomly check chauffeurs at the airports and other locations to ensure name boards, attire, and service are maintained at all times.

Chauffeurs are background checked, social media checked, and drug checked before hiring.

A secret ride program enlists passengers with a discounted rate who in return fill out a sheet that states all aspects of their experience.

A hot pink Dodge Challenger stretch allows Showcase to give back to its community by transporting cancer patients undergoing chemo treatments. The limousine has been featured on TV and in newspapers giving cancer patients rides to and from their appointments. The stretch is also used for cancer survivor celebrations.